Pearl Jam - Lost Dogs

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Music reviews of Lost Dogs

Music Review: Thirty hidden and forgotten gems. A great collection!
Rating: 5 Stars

It would be impossible for me to comment on all of the thirty songs in the available space, so I'm just going to touch on the highlights. However, that should no way indicate my dislike for the balance of the material. A few of the songs (Sweet Lew, Bee Girl) are quirky, but none are by any means bad.

The first track is "All Night" from the No Code sessions. While it was understandably left off the album (it's totally out character with the rest of the songs on it), it is a pretty great song. With a driving guitar line and interesting vocals from Ed, it actually presages some of their later work, and would fit right in on Binaural or Riot Act.

Next up is "Sad" from the Binaural album, and which I would have gladly seen in the place of "Evacuation". This is a beautiful song with the great atmosphere that characterized that album. Ed's vocals have a haunted quality, and the lyrics beautifully capture the pain of a lost love.

"Down" appeared somewhat regularly during the 2003 tour, and there was much discussion as to why it didn't make the album. Having now heard the studio version, I have to say that I prefer the song live. Lacking here are the flourishes and energy that made it one of the highlights of the tour.
"Don't Gimme No Lip" is interesting as a window into Stone's development as a writer. While not a bad song, it is very simple, and not in the same league as "Mankind", for example.

"Alone" was really a blast from the past; I had forgotten how raw (and I mean that in a good sense) Ten was; it plays like an open wound and "Alone" fits right in. Another song about relationships, this song features the raging guitars and Ed's characteristic wail that defined the early days. A great cut, and one I'd love to hear live.

"Education" is a really interesting track because it is largely unlike anything you're likely to find on a Pearl Jam album. Matt's fingerprints are all over this one, with an almost tribal drumbeat. Takes a few listens to get used to, but it's become one of my favorites.

"Gremmie Out of Control" is off a benefit album and is a cover of a silly surfer song from the 1960's. Two things make it noteworthy; the first is Stone's back-up vocals, which are completely over the top and absolutely hilarious. The second the guitar work of producer, engineer, collaborator and all around friend of the band, Brendan O'Brien; you'd think that Brian Wilson was playing with them.

"Undone" is an absolutely amazing song from the Riot Act sessions. Again, it's not really in keeping with the rest of the album, but I still wish they could have shoehorned it in. Actually, it would have fit perfectly in place of "Bu$hleaguer" which I've always found to be uncharacteristically negative. Featuring beautiful, hopeful (but still protesting) lyrics and a Springsteen/REM hybrid sound, this is in the top three on Lost Dogs.

Disc 2 kicks off with "Fatal" from the Binaural session. Another moody, complicated song, it was producer Tchad Blake's favorite, but somehow didn't make the album.

Next is "Other Side" which is an absolutely beautiful song that, if not crying out right, certainly had me tear up a few times. Written by Jeff and inspired by his parents' marriage, "Other Side" describes the sadness of those who pass on and are forced to wait for their partner. Offering both a unique perspective and heartfelt lyrics, anyone this song will touch who has been in a long-term relationship.

"Strangest Tribe" is off the 1999 Fan Club single and is a simple but fascinating song. First off, the sound is amazing; while mostly acoustic guitars, Ed's voice, the simple drumbeat and a few ell chosen effects lend a distinctly Middle Eastern sound. The lyrics capture the oddity, but simple beauty of faith. This is a song that deserved a wider release, and offers a look at Pearl Jam from a rarely seen angle.

"Drifting" is Ed's take on Dylan, and it isn't bad, not least because he has a much better voice. A simple song about living life simply, it's got a great beat and Ed reveals a genuine affinity for playing the harmonica.

"Dirty Frank" is the only song I really have a complaint about. For those unfamiliar with it, it is Pearl Jam's legendary tribute to the Chile Peppers and features lyrics about a serial killer bus driver. However, it used to feature Ed at several points during the song riffing on "Shaft" ("That Dirty Frank is a bad mother..."). All of those moments are no longer in the mix, and that's a shame because they really added to the fun of the song and sort of defined it.

Finally there is "4/20/02", a hidden song that appears six minutes after "Bee Girl". Written and performed by Ed the day that Layne Staley died, it is a raw and moving tribute to a lost friend, that reveals both anger and pathos. A really powerful cut.

Unfortunately, I'm out of space and I've had to assume that tracks like "Wash", "Footsteps" and "Hard to Imagine" are already familiar. If not, they're great too!

Enjoy!

Jake Mohlman

Description of Lost Dogs

Alternative Rock CDs

• Music > Styles
• Hard Rock & Metal
• Pop
• Rock